Player Updates

It'll be Mayers' third stint with St. Louis this season, the first one ending after he gave up two runs in 4.0 innings and the second lasting less than 24 hours. The former starter is still adjusting to his new role in the bullpen, but expects to see time in low-leverage situations as Luke Weaver leaves the bullpen to take over Wainwright's (back) place in the rotation.

Mayers was optioned back to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.

Although he was just recalled by the club prior to Wednesday's game, Mayers was sent back down to Memphis in order to make room for Luke Weaver, who will start against the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Mayers has only made two appearances with the big-league club this season, but has been stellar with Memphis recently, accumulating an ERA of 0.84 and 0.97 WHIP in 32 innings since the beginning of June.

Mayers was recalled by the Cardinals on Wednesday and will serve in a relief role.

The young right-hander was moved to a permanent relief role earlier this week in hopes of accelerating his path to the majors, and the Cardinals will waste little time giving him an opportunity in the bullpen. Mayers made two appearances as a reliever in an earlier stint this season, allowing two earned runs over four innings, but should continue to see chances in low-leverage situations for the time being. Luke Weaver is still expected to take over Adam Wainwright's (back) spot in the rotation.

Mayers has been permanently moved to a relief role due to the Cardinals' belief that it provides him the best path to the majors, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander made 15 starts for the Redbirds this season and 86 overall in his minors career, but the move to the bullpen has agreed with him thus far. Mayers has fired five scoreless innings in relief, allowing just two hits and notching six strikeouts. He also made two appearances for the Cardinals this season, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks over four innings.

Mayers was called upon to cover three innings in relief Sunday against the Nationals and wasn't going to be available for the next few days, so he'll head to the minors as the Cardinals bring aboard a fresh arm in Luke Weaver. Should Mayers resurface with the big club in the second half, he likely wouldn't be ticketed for much more than mop-up duty out of the bullpen.